Question

A breeder nuclear reactor is a reactor in which nonfissile U-238 is converted into fissile Pu-239. The process involves bombardment of U-238 by neutrons to form U-239 which then undergoes two sequential beta decays. Write nuclear equations to represent this process.

Answer 1

Answer: The nuclear equations for the given process is written below.

Explanation:

The chemical equation for the bombardment of neutron to U-238 isotope follows:

$_{92}^{238}\textrm{U}+n\rightarrow _{92}^{239}\textrm{U}$

Beta decay is defined as the process in which neutrons get converted into an electron and a proton. The released electron is known as the beta particle.

$_Z^A\textrm{X}\rightarrow _{Z+1}^A\textrm{Y}+_{-1}^0\beta$

The chemical equation for the first beta decay process of $_{92}^{239}\textrm{U}$ follows:

$_{92}^{239}\textrm{U}\rightarrow _{93}^{239}\textrm{Np}+_{-1}^0\beta$

The chemical equation for the second beta decay process of $_{93}^{239}\textrm{Np}$ follows:

$_{93}^{239}\textrm{Np}\rightarrow _{94}^{239}\textrm{Pu}+_{-1}^0\beta$

Hence, the nuclear equations for the given process is written above.